TES Maths ROTW: Problem-solving cards

Share this

TES Maths Resource of the Week

What is it?

A set of 10 problem solving questions aimed at students in key stage 2 and 3. The author has designed these to be in line with the aims (and increased challenge) of the new maths curriculum.

Each question potentially has multiple entry points, and pupils are encouraged to describe and explain their methods by the way the problems are clearly presented. The problems cover a wide range of topics, including written methods of calculation and angles, all of which have a large problem solving element.

How can it be used?

I am not a fan of one-off problem-solving lessons. Problem solving should be a key component of all lessons. Now, that is far easier said than done, but resources like this give us busy teachers a fighting chance.

Using the third problem during a lesson on perimeter and area, or the fourth one at the end of an angles lesson, helps to familiarise pupils with these types of questions, and crucially encourages them to set out their work clearly and communicate effectively. Our students will meet problems like these regularly in the new GCSE, so the sooner they are exposed to them, the better.